Has your home been invaded by the lemony-fresh scent of citronella ants? While their fragrance may remind you of a pleasant summer evening, these uninvited guests can quickly become a nuisance. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to get rid of citronella ants and reclaim your living space.

Things you need to get rid of citronella ants…
Essential oils (e.g., peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon)
Insecticides (Liquid insecticides, Dust insecticides, and Bait insecticides)
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let’s get rid of those ants…
Video: How to Get Rid of Citronella Ants
For those who learn better with videos, here’s a detailed video guide below…
Identification
Citronella ants are quite distinctive due to their yellowish or reddish-brown color. Worker ants are typically about 4 to 5 mm long, while the larger winged swarmers, also known as reproductive ants, can be up to 8 mm long.
As their name suggests, citronella ants emit a strong citrusy or lemon-like odor when they’re crushed or disturbed. This unique scent is a key identifier for this species, as it sets them apart from other ants. If you’re trying to determine whether you have citronella ants in your home or garden, try to get close enough to detect the smell without harming them.
Citronella ants prefer damp, dark environments. They often build their colonies in moist soil, under rocks, logs, or mulch. They can also be found in rotting wood or near the foundation of a building if there is excessive moisture present. These ants are more commonly found outdoors but may venture inside if they find a suitable environment.
By paying attention to the appearance, smell, and habitat of the ants you encounter, you’ll be able to determine if you’re dealing with citronella ants or another species. Remember, it’s important to correctly identify the ants to ensure you take the most effective measures to get rid of them.
Got a problem with another type of ant? Check out this page: How to Get Rid of Ants — Everything You Need
Inspection
While these ants are more commonly found outdoors, they can still make their way inside your home. Start by looking in areas where there’s moisture or dampness, such as basements, crawlspaces, or near water pipes. Keep an eye out for small piles of soil or dirt, which could indicate the presence of an ant colony. Watch for ant activity and try to follow the trail of worker ants back to their nest. This may require some patience, but it’s crucial for finding the source of the infestation.
Now, let’s move on to locating citronella ant colonies outdoors. Search in areas with moist soil or heavy vegetation. Look under rocks, logs, or in mulch, as well as around the foundation of your home. Be mindful of the ants’ foraging trails and try to follow them back to the colony. Keep in mind that citronella ants are most active during the evening, so you might have more success locating their colonies after the sun goes down.
Once you’ve located the ant colonies, it’s important to determine the severity of the infestation. Assess the number of ants you see and the size of the colonies. If you only spot a few ants and a single small colony, you’re likely dealing with a minor infestation. However, if you find multiple colonies, large numbers of ants, or evidence of ants throughout your home, it’s possible you’re facing a more serious infestation.
Determining the severity of the infestation will help you decide the best course of action for getting rid of the ants. A minor infestation might be manageable with do-it-yourself methods, while a more serious infestation may require professional assistance. In either case, acting quickly and taking the appropriate steps to eliminate the ants will help protect your home and prevent further issues.
Natural Methods
These approaches can be less harmful to the environment and safer for your family and pets.
Diatomaceous earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It works by damaging the exoskeleton of ants, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die.
To use DE, simply sprinkle it around the ant colony entrance and along the ants’ foraging trails. You can also apply it to any indoor areas where you’ve noticed ant activity.
Reapply DE after rain or if it gets disturbed.
Boric acid
Boric acid is another natural option that can be effective against citronella ants. It works as a slow-acting stomach poison when ingested by the ants.
To use boric acid, mix a small amount (about a teaspoon) with a sweet, liquid bait like honey or sugar water. Place the mixture near the ant colony or their foraging trails. Worker ants will bring the bait back to their colony, where it will be shared and ingested by other ants, eventually killing them.
Replace the bait as needed and be patient, as this method can take several days to show results.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a household item that can be used as a natural ant repellent. The strong smell of vinegar disrupts the ants’ scent trails. This makes it difficult for them to find their way back to the colony.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray it directly on the ants and their trails. You can also use this solution to clean surfaces in your home where you’ve noticed ant activity.
Essential oils
Essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon, can help repel citronella ants. These oils disrupt the ants’ scent trails and can deter them from entering your home.
To use essential oils, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle, and apply the solution to ant trails, entry points, and areas of ant activity.
Reapply as needed to maintain the repellent effect.
Boiling water
Boiling water is a simple and effective method for killing citronella ants and destroying their outdoor colonies. Carefully pour boiling water directly into the entrance of the ant colony. You may need to use several pots of water to ensure you reach the entire colony.
Be cautious when using this method, as boiling water can cause burns or damage plants.
Natural methods may require more time and persistence than chemical treatments. You may need to reapply treatments or try multiple methods to achieve the desired results.
Chemical Methods
Insecticides come in various forms, and choosing the right one for your situation can be crucial for success. Here are three common types:
Liquid insecticides are usually applied as a spray and can be used for direct contact or as a barrier treatment. Look for products specifically designed to target ants and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application.
Dust insecticides are powders that can be applied directly to ant colonies or in areas where ants are active. These products can be useful for treating hard-to-reach areas, like cracks and crevices, where liquid treatments may not be as effective.
Bait insecticides are mixed with a food source that attracts ants. The worker ants take the bait back to the colony, where it is shared and ingested by other ants, eventually killing them. Ant bait can come in granules, gel, or stations, and should be placed near ant trails or colony entrances.
Application techniques vary depending on the type of insecticide and the location of the ant colonies. Here are two common methods:
Perimeter treatment involves applying a liquid insecticide around the exterior of your home to create a barrier that deters ants from entering. Focus on potential entry points, like doors, windows, and foundation cracks, as well as areas where you’ve observed ant activity.
Direct nest treatment means applying the insecticide directly to the ant colony. This can be done with liquid, dust, or bait insecticides. For outdoor colonies, carefully dig around the entrance and apply the treatment as close to the nest as possible. For indoor colonies, use dust or bait products in the areas where ants are active.
Follow-up applications may be necessary to ensure the complete elimination of the ant colony. Monitor the treated areas for continued ant activity, and reapply the insecticide as needed. If you’re using bait, replenish it regularly until you no longer observe ants taking the bait.
Make sure to read and follow the instructions on any products you use to ensure your safety. It’s important to protect yourself and your home during the elimination process. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and protective eyewear when handling chemicals or disturbing ant colonies. If you’re using chemical treatments indoors, be mindful of areas where children or pets might come into contact with the chemicals, and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure.
Preventive Measures
Taking preventive measures is key to keeping citronella ants at bay in the long run.
Sealing entry points is an important step in keeping ants out of your home. Inspect your home’s exterior for any cracks or gaps in the foundation, walls, windows, and doors. Use caulk or another appropriate sealant to close up these entry points. This will make it more difficult for ants to find their way inside.
Removing food sources can greatly reduce the likelihood of attracting ants. Keep your kitchen clean by wiping down countertops, storing food in airtight containers, and cleaning up spills and crumbs promptly. Don’t forget to empty your trash regularly and keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed. By eliminating food sources, you make your home less appealing to foraging ants.
Reducing moisture and humidity in and around your home can help deter citronella ants, which prefer damp environments. Check for leaking pipes, faucets, and other sources of excess moisture. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawlspaces. Outdoors, ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation, and avoid overwatering plants near the house.
Maintaining cleanliness throughout your home can also help prevent ant infestations. Regularly vacuum, sweep, and mop floors to remove any food debris that might attract ants. Pay special attention to areas where food is stored or prepared, as well as pet feeding areas. A clean home is less likely to attract and sustain an ant infestation.
Monitoring for re-infestation is crucial to ensure your preventive measures are working. Regularly check your home for signs of ant activity, especially in areas where you’ve previously found colonies. If you spot ants, try to identify the species and take appropriate action to eliminate them before the infestation becomes severe.
Seek Professional Help
You may want to consider calling a professional if you’ve tried DIY methods without success, if the infestation is severe, or if it’s recurring despite your best efforts. Pest control professionals have access to more potent treatments and specialized knowledge that can help effectively eliminate citronella ants and provide long-lasting solutions.